| Title | Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Site Evaluation, Western Snake River Plain, Idaho |
|---|---|
| Authors | Arney, B. H.; Beyer, J. H.; Simon, D. B.; Tonani, F. B.; Weiss, R. B. |
| Year | 1980 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Hot Dry Rock; Exploration; USA; Idaho; West Snake River Plain; General; Potential; Geophysical Surveys; Gravity; Telluric; Seismic; Temperature Gradient; Chemical Surveys |
| Abstract | Geologic, geophysical, hydrologic, an water chemistry studies have been performed to evaluate a hot dry rock geothermal prospect along the northern margin of the Western Snake River Plain, Idaho. The potential reservoir rock, Idaho Batholith granite, outcrops just north of the site, and is steep faulted down t other south; it is more tan 3 km deep in the southern part of the site. The central and northeastern parts appear to be the most promising for HDR development. Geophysical data suggest: (1) high permeability at depth in the NW corner, and (2) too great a depth to granite in the south. Thermal disturbances from ground water may affect heat flow reported from shallow measurements. Silica geothermometers indicate equilibrium temperature not significantly above 60-80° C measured in hop springs and wells. Future work, including a seismic reflection survey and an exploratory well, is planned to further define the thermal regime, the depth to granite, and its permeability. |